After officially signing with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, veteran center Al Horford touched on his anticipated role with the team’s battle-tested core. The five-time All-Star also expressed excitement about joining forces with superstar point guard Stephen Curry, highlighting one major perk of his late-career move.
Horford was connected to Golden State throughout the offseason, with the sides reportedly agreeing to a handshake deal months ahead of his two-year, $11.7 million contract being finalized. However, now that the deal is set in stone, the 39-year-old, who is entering his 19th season, was finally allowed to preview what could be the final chapter of his illustrious NBA career.
What Is Al Horford Most Looking Forward to About Playing Alongside Stephen Curry?
During his introductory press conference, Horford was asked about his fit with Curry, with the reporter referencing Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s remarks about his much-needed complementary stretch-five skill set.
Horford first conveyed his relief about teaming up with the two-time MVP after spending 16 seasons as an adversary to the league’s all-time most prolific 3-point shooter.
“I’m excited just to be able to be on the floor with him and not have to chase him around and try to contest him and all that,” Horford said. “The fact that we’re on the same side is something that’s special for me.”
Despite being older than Curry (37), Horford added that he plans to take cues from the four-time NBA champion.
“I’m really gonna try to take advantage and learn from him as much as I can,” Horford shared. “He sees the game in a very incredible way, and I’m just gonna follow suit and really lean on him and lean on Draymond [Green] to kind of show me the way.”
Horford also brings title experience to the table, having played a key role in the Boston Celtics’ 2024 championship run. Between his playoff pedigree and high-IQ, versatile play style, he appears poised to be a seamless fit in Kerr’s movement-heavy offensive system.
Still, concerns about the collective age of Golden State’s projected first unit persist, with Horford, Curry, Green, and star forward Jimmy Butler III all between 35 and 39.
No team in NBA history has ever featured four players 35 or older in its opening night starting lineup, leaving Horford sympathetic to outside skeptics despite his optimism.
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“It’s fair,” Horford admitted. “It is true, but we have a very solid team. It’s not only the four of us. We have a lot of depth in this group, and a lot of the young guys I feel are going to play a big role in it. For us, it’s staying the course. Obviously, health plays a big part in it. The focus is on the season and getting better.”
“I’m excited. I know those guys take care of themselves. They’re going to do everything they need to be on the floor, and we have a lot of experience.”
The revamped Warriors are aiming to build on last season’s 48-win finish and second-round postseason exit, with health expected to make or break their 2026 title contention hopes.